These text range from poetry, short stories, novels, and screenplays. The short story “A
Rose for Emily” is one of his most famous works. Set in a southern town at the turn of the century, Faulkner describes the life of Miss Emily. Miss Emily is the lone survivor of a well to do family in the city of Jefferson. The short story describes how Miss Emily deals with the struggles of her changing life. William Faulkner draws off of his own experiences growing up in the south to write this short story. The theme throughout “A
Rose for Emily” is the changes that occur in Miss Emily Grierson’s life. These changes include deaths of her father and Homer Barron as well …show more content…
With these statements Faulkner shows that Miss Emily Grierson has been unable to change with the times like everyone else. Miss Emily’s home has also become outdated and out of place. The story mentions how all the other homes in this once prominent part of town are gone and have been replaced by garages and cotton gins. The narrator of the story calls the Grierson house “an eyesore among eyesores” (Faulkner). The first major event Miss Emily must deal with is the death of her father. This proves to much for her to deal with. Miss Emily showed no grief and even tells her guest that her father is not dead at all. Miss Emily does this for three whole days before she finally allows the doctors and ministers access to the body. This is the first time we learn of Miss Emily’s issues with change. As the story unfolds more and more details continue to show Miss Emily’s refusal to change. She refuses to pay her taxes because Colonel Sartoris had made an arrangement for her. After the
Colonel’s death she continues to refuse to pay the taxes stating, “I have no taxes …show more content…
This rule was intended to show that African
American’s are seen as workers only and not everyday citizens who are allowed to socialize like everyone else. The way women and minorities are seen and treated during the turn of the century in the south is clearly seen in “A Rose for Emily.”
Change in Miss Emily’s life and her hometown of Jefferson is the key theme throughout
“A Rose for Emily.” This change occurs first when Miss Emily deals with the death of her father, who was a controlling figure in her life. Miss Emily also deals with change whenever the old town officials die out and the new aldermen of Jefferson demand more of Miss Emily. More change occurs with the meeting of Homer Barron and then his death.Miss Emily does not deal with these changes in her personal life very well, as she becomes somewhat mad and a recluse. The town of Jefferson itself and its society also goes through changes. These occur as the town becomes less of a traditional southern town and more of a modern industrial town. Changing times and a changing society are showcased in the short story of “A Rose for